Many, many times while reading I had to wonder aloud "where was the editor on this?". The writing was weak, especially in the beginning, and it's a small wonder Disney hasn't sent their lawyers after this book for blatant logo theft as the 90's castle icon is used excessively throughout as the visual cut symbol between scenes. I'll give the ride dupes a pass, though if you're familiar with either park you'll instantly recognize a few as they're almost turn-for-turn identical.

Zahra is 23, Rowan is in his late 30's, and their age difference is barely played with, which made me wonder why it was included at all. Additionally, I don't mind when things happen early either if there's still some good explosive chemistry, but there was no lead-up to the, quite frankly, assault-worthy kiss he takes from her beyond them both having alarming hot flashes around each other when they barely have any physical contact. But it's okay somehow, because she kissed him back after a moment??

The lack of consent, in addition to Rowan's possessiveness (which I think was meant to be sexy but just came off as toxic and cringe) leads to a weak relationship with a male lead incapable of emotional intelligence in dire need of therapy, and an enabling woman (sorry, "female" according to him) who thinks that if she just loves him enough he'll magically get better and be this better person. Just like her depression did.

I wish I was kidding.

She gives him chance after chance, in situations that his apologies and grand gestures don't really take the edge off of his slights -- nor does he meaningfully learn from his transgressions either. It makes me sad to see authors who only seem to think morally grey alphaholes (thanks, SJM) are capable of having hot and dirty encounters, when authors like Katee Robert, Tessa Bailey, and Ana Huang have shown otherwise.

Some parts I did enjoy (which kept this out of 1 star territory): the side characters having meaningful impact on the plot, the sibling dynamic between Ani and Zahra, the way Ani's Down Syndrome was represented, Zhara's ideas and personality, and ... that's about it. There were elements that could have been developed more to make the romance swoon-worthy, but again -- where was the editor to help it happen?

Zhara deserved better.

Overall, sloppy romance, weak writing, and cringe instead of steamy scenes makes this a "do not recommend" for me. I haven't written off this author completely, but I don't think I'll be reading the rest of the Dreamland Billionaire's series either.